Supported Living for Waltham Forest Residents

Why Waltham Forest families end up looking outside the borough

Waltham Forest Council says so itself. Its market position statement for supported living says demand exceeds supply, that finding homes for people with learning disabilities and more complex needs is a particular challenge, and that 27% of the borough's supported living residents were living outside Waltham Forest when the figures were collected. The council is updating that statement, so the figure may change.

The council buys most supported living through a framework of approved providers, split into needs-based lots. When no framework provider can meet someone's needs, it can make a one-off "spot" arrangement with another provider, which is how a placement with us would normally be agreed. We are not on that framework.

Before you look west, ask the social worker what exists in the borough. The council's own Preparing for Adulthood pages mention Outward, which has supported accommodation for people with learning disabilities in Leyton, and Shared Lives, where an adult lives with a vetted carer's family. A home near family and familiar places may suit the person better than one across London.

How do you get supported living through Waltham Forest Council?

It depends on the person's age and which team already knows them.

Young people with an EHCP

The council's Where you will live page sets out the route. The young person's Assessment Planning and Review Officer in the SEND team refers them to the Preparing for Adulthood Panel. A social worker then carries out a Care Act needs assessment, and the support package is put together by the SEND team with either the Community Learning Disability Team or Adult Social Care. It is reviewed every year. Raise housing at EHCP annual reviews from about 16, not in the final months before 18.

Adults with a learning disability or autism

If the person already has a worker in the Community Learning Disability Team, start there. Ask them to record supported living as the goal.

Adults with a mental health condition

NELFT runs Waltham Forest's NHS mental health services. If your relative has a care coordinator, raise supported accommodation with them early, ideally before any discharge from a ward.

Everyone else

Ask for a needs assessment by phoning the Adult Social Care Team on 020 8496 3130, as the council's getting help page explains. If the person has nobody to help them take part, the council arranges an independent advocate.

Walthamstow to Whitton, and the other two homes

Every one of our homes is on the opposite side of London from E4, E10, E11 and E17. These times are rough guides.

• Whitton (Twickenham): the Victoria line from Walthamstow Central or Blackhorse Road to Vauxhall, then a South Western Railway train to Whitton. Allow 75 to 90 minutes. By car it is roughly an hour to an hour and 20 minutes round the North Circular, much longer at rush hour.
• Kingston upon Thames: a similar trip, Victoria line to Vauxhall then a train to Kingston.
• Uxbridge: the Victoria line to King's Cross St Pancras, then the Metropolitan line to Uxbridge, about an hour and a half.
• From Chingford or Highams Park: take the Overground into Walthamstow Central and pick up the Victoria line there, adding around 10 to 15 minutes. From Leyton or Leytonstone: start on the Central line and change in central London.

A parent in Chingford making a three-hour round trip every weekend is a real cost, and it belongs in the decision.

The home and the support come under two different agreements

In supported living, the person holds a tenancy or licence for their room or flat, which gives them rights as an occupier. The care and support come under a separate agreement with a provider registered with the Care Quality Commission for personal care. Because the two are separate, a person can in principle change their support provider and keep their home.

JNP Sidona is registered with the CQC. We have not yet been inspected, so we have no rating to show you.

Who pays for supported living for a Waltham Forest resident?

For an eligible person, the council pays for the support, subject to a financial assessment. Rent is separate and often covered by Housing Benefit; the person also pays for food and usually a share of bills. Waltham Forest offers personal budgets, which can be taken as a direct payment managed by the person or by someone nominated to act for them. Where needs are mainly health needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare may fund the care.

We don't publish prices. We quote after a free assessment, once we know what support the person needs. Our paying for care guide explains the national rules.

Five things to ask before agreeing to a move

• Who is the landlord, and what exactly will my relative sign?
• How are nights and weekends staffed, and who covers sickness?
• Who helps with trips back to Waltham Forest, and who pays the fares?
• Will Waltham Forest review the placement each year, and who is the named social worker?
• Can they try a short respite stay first?

If you are the one caring at home while this is sorted

You can ask for a carer's assessment of your own on 020 8496 3130 or at adult.carers@walthamforest.gov.uk; your relative does not need a care package in place first. Carers First, the council's carers support partner at 1 Russell Road, Leyton E10 (0300 303 1555), takes self-referrals.

What we can help with in Waltham Forest

• Homes in Whitton, Kingston and Uxbridge
• Permanent or respite stays
• Support with daily living skills
• Help to build independence
• Tenancy and care explained clearly
• Community, day centres and outings
• Visit before you decide
• Referrals from social workers welcome